THE CLOSET OR THE CROSS
According to a recent Bloomberg report and Gallop pole, same sex marriage is considered the “fastest moving social issue in United States history.” Yet surprisingly, out of thousands of Americans who were questioned, most reported to believe the percentage of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender population to be roughly 25% of our nations population. According to these reports the real stats place that segment of our society under 4%. It is interesting that the perception of most believe it to be more than six times that amount. There’s no denying, the LGBT community has done a stellar job of coming together with one voice and an inexhaustible commitment to shift the cultural perspective of American family, love and marriage. Taking strong public stands and utilizing every media tool at their disposal, they have won a reported 60% in support of same-sex marriage. Quite a feat for 4% of our populace.
Persistence, tenacity, passion for a common goal and well organized strategies have enabled this reportedly small percent of our population to bring about a radical re-interpretation of American values. Interesting, especially given the most recent figures provided claim 70% of Americans profess to be Christian. It is certainly no secret that for Christians, biblical teaching places issues such as same sex marriage and abortion at polar opposite sides. It would stand to reason that even our pro-choice and LGBT family and friends would not expect Christians to support their stance on these issues. They do not apologize for their convictions on these controversial debates, and I presume they would not expect us to.
Still most of the two hundred and twenty five million Christians (according to the recent reports) remain largely silent and non-participatory. The “God bless America” in our heritage and its associated blessing continues to evaporate as many of our nations Bible based laws and values vacate. God bless America, how does that go again? It’s been a while since we’ve heard it. When one considers the “fait accompli “these 13 million, give or take, out of 322 million have attained it is nothing short of staggering. Tirelessly working together, bound in purpose and vision they have proven to be passionately committed to their objectives while remaining fiercely unified. What a concept. Maybe they read Psalm 133.
Storming our countries legislative system, rallying, protesting, litigating and funding the necessary platforms it takes to succeed, they reach into their pockets, show up at meetings, strategically plant themselves in the center of the public eye and demand change, even at personal cost. I guess that’s what it looks like when something is really important to you. They’ve even won the bathroom battle, claiming transgender individuals (reported to be approx. 0.3% of our population according to the Williams Institute) were being discriminated against. Now all public schools are required to allow transgender students to use the bathroom of their choice. They don’t want to make the one child out of 32,103,000 feel uncomfortable. Let the other thirty two million deal with it.
So as we comfortably sit at home and choose to shy away from taking a public stand for Christ and our nations Judeo- Christian values, making our daily routine and personal to do list our greatest passion, are we not passively endorsing the decimation of our country’s Christian Heritage? Is not our apathy and lethargy supporting the changes in our cultures mindset and governmental laws? Are we not breaking the oath of covenant our forefathers entered into with Jehovah-God at the onset of our country’s formation, or are we too disinterested and unaware to even consider that? Maybe we’re afraid of being falsely accused of opposing women’s health or being homophobic. Are we that thin skinned and inept at defending life and marriage? Do we not believe that God is on our side? And when by the way, did killing your unborn child become women’s health and family planning? I guess while we were sleeping.
Unfortunately I have more so come to believe our convictions simply pale in comparison to those in the other camp. The fervor, passion and commitment to show up and take a public stand for the cause of Christ doesn’t seem to be there despite our profession. Maybe we’re waiting for somebody else to do it. As the “one nation under God” slips through our fingers and the mention of His name goes from a politically incorrect faux-pas to a provocative offense, let us not point the finger at any one person or group. Let us place the blame squarely where it lies; on the church of God, the body of Christ, on me and on you. For this country from its inception and covenantal oath with God has only been ours to lose.
So maybe we should take a tip from the beloved LGBT member in our family, or friend or co-worker. Just like they did, maybe we should search our hearts and souls and determine what is really important to us. Maybe we need to rediscover the passion in our own lives, in our personal relationship with Christ. Maybe we need to repent and return to our first love. To re-establish the very foundation on which our lives and our faith is said to be built. To rally as so many others have and publicly support what we say we believe in. Or will unity, power and passion in the body of Christ remain just another lofty ideal our Sunday message Pastors preach about? Oh I forgot, we hardly show up for that anymore either. I wonder if we can measure the cost of our quiet disregard.
In our culture today, one can not help but notice all of those who have come out of the closet with gusto. Who scream, fight, take a stand, rally and persevere for what they believe in, hardly counting the cost. Maybe it’s time we as the church re-discover our passion, come out of the closet and do the same.
Living in the Sweet Spot
You’ve probably heard the saying, “Youth is wasted on the young.” My Dad loved that quote and now that I’m not exactly in the young category, I can appreciate it more. I thought of it today as I contemplated some of the powerful shifts in thinking I’ve experienced in recent years. I’m talking life changing stuff.
A tiny example is reflected by a conversation with a friend a few months back. He asked me how long it had been since I had a glass of wine. Sharing an appreciation for full bodied reds he seemed genuinely bowled over when I told him it had been years. “Wow. What incredible will power” he said as he shook his head. ” I could never do that.” “It has nothing to do with will power” I replied. “It’s surrender.” His eyes widened as he considered the concept. “I’m going to remember that the next time I’m struggling with something” he said still shaking his head. “Hmmm….surrender.” “Yes, but it’s who you’re surrendering to…” I reminded him with a smile.
Powerful truths that have had such an impact on my life. I can’t imagine the grief and anguish I could have spared myself, and others had I lived them out years ago. Examining the life of Christ, these truths were not only taught by Him, but fully embodied in his every action. You want to lead? Become a servant. You want abundance in your life? Give generously. Authority? Submit to those figures in your own life. So contrary to our natural ambitions, so unappealing to our human nature.
I have however since learned the unflinching joy that resides with one living in “the sweet spot.” The incredible sense of ease and undeniable state of well being that comes with knowing you’ve got this one covered, or more precisely someone a lot bigger and stronger than you, has it covered for you and totally has your back.
The serenity that comes with discovering humility invites honor, weakness is an invitation for strength, and the peace of God within rules with impenetrable dominion can not be over stated. Who could have guessed at this stage of the game a whole new set of rules have come into play? When I catch my heart seeking recognition, I now choose to praise another. When I feel taken advantage of or disrespected, I carefully weigh my response; for Grace is mine to give and multiplied back in spades when I do. Talk about a win/win.
If I were to be entirely honest, I’m riding on someone elses coat tails. I am not the one that facilitated this exchange, yet I reap its rewards. An entirely inequitable agreement, or covenant if you will that was made on my behalf and one I so gratefully yet unabashedly enjoy the benefits of. Excising the ultimate height, depth, length and breadth this gift was given, though hardly received, when the Great Shephard was slaughtered as a lamb. When the King of Creation died as a criminal. When the author of life breathed his last breath, gave up the ghost and said, “It is finished.” So at this later stage of the game, I am finally getting it and have begun to partake of this divine inheritance.
2 Cor. 8:9 states, ” For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” I’m not sure the word “rich” adequately portrays the magnitude of a soul sickened, diseased criminal receiving his pardon. Then in addition, receiving a miraculous touch of healing, joy, favor and every manner of blessing and prosperity. However, if that is how the Lord defines being rich, then yes, I am very, very rich indeed.
Love’s Reproach
We have all experienced the unspoken judgment of others. A critical gaze, silent disapproval, a glaring objection. As I revisited the story of Luke chapter 7 my heart stirred with an experience not far removed, from the description of this Pharisee of old. Sharing the penchant of devotion as this woman who loved much, I can only imagine what this encounter was truly like for her, or maybe what it would have been like for me and the treasured lesson for all of us to learn.
As the box crackled and broke open, her heart simultaneously erupted. There was no holding back the flood of tears. Her torso caved as she fell completely to her knees and poured forth the ointment. It was Him. She alone knew who He was and for these few moments, He belonged to her. As the others in the room became invisible, she began her sacred ceremony. Barely whispering she sang the refrain of yesterday’s song in the quietness of her heart, ” I am my beloved’s and He is mine”. With trembling hands she gently warmed the oil as she poured it upon the feet of Gods perfect one. Blinded to those around her she could only behold the form and flesh of the one person that mattered most. The only one who had ever truly seen her. Who had discovered beauty hidden beneath her shame. He knew the flawed, most intimate thoughts of her heart, yet still in-comprehensively, in-exhaustively loved her.
In his eyes she found an infinite pool of love and mercy that bathed her with forgiveness and somehow made her new. Perfect. Clean and finally, again beautiful. A flood of emotion rippled through her body as she poured forth her soul in adoration. The oil flowed as her heart gushed and she humbly anointed the Holy One of God. For the first time in so many, many years she was free. Flushed with the feverish passion of her devotion, she was laid low by the longing of her thirsty soul as her tears fell upon his feet. Gently she dried them with her hair and whispered words of adoration only He could hear. But her display of purity was met with disdain. Her act of devotion, utterly despised. “How could this man be a prophet?” the religious host silently scoffed. “Didn’t he know what sort of woman she was? ” The very act that he despised, was the same act Jesus cherished. Her frail, fervent outpouring of love.
“Do you see this woman?” Jesus asked his host. (ref. Luke 7: 36-50)
Not long after the Son of God would find himself more harshly judged and misunderstood than she and now it would be fitting to the Father that He that would pour out His soul. Instead of oil, he poured blood. Instead of the soft caress of hair, His flesh shredded with angry iron clad whips, until it hung as ribbons. As his body pierced and tore from the jagged edge of raw metal and his skin stretched beyond its limit, he anguished. Vinegar met his thirst, the spittle of men met his forgiveness. As His heart ruptured in brokenness He prayed for His murderers; Father forgive them.
Crushed as grapes in the wine press His soul continued to pour forth. The mockery of His King’s crown pricked his brow. Filled with passion and the fervor of his unwavering commitment, He completely surrendered to the fulfillment of His purpose, the pledge of love that would cost him everything. He suffered unbearably until the appointed time when He finally spoke the words, ” It is finished”. The betrothal to his Bride would require absolutely everything He could give, and somehow it seems, even more. For Him, there was no other way. For He remembered her well and longed for her return. The intimate fellowship and communion of her love. And now finally, it was done.
The reproach of our love for Him is a small treasure we lay at his feet, a gift we bring to his altar. At times despised and misunderstood, we meet Him in the place of betrothal He paid so dearly for. It is there I so gratefully join Him in shame and embrace Him in reproach, in the secret place of worship. As the woman in this Biblical account I am are aware of how much I have been forgiven of. The Pharisee viewed himself as not needing such a gift, yet I cherish nothing more. As the healing of my heart and body testify of His love for me, it is His presence I cherish most. When inclined to judge a display of worship, to criticize an act of love, or even despise an outpouring of affection toward the King, maybe we should ask the question Jesus asked, “Do we see this man?”
Your Kairos Moment
Kairos. One of two ancient Greek words for time that implies an opportune time or a defining moment in ones life. Few stories capture the essence of this word like the Biblical account of King Saul. An unassuming young man who suddenly discovers God has a great purpose and destiny for his life. In 1Samuel chapter 10 the Prophet declares; “Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.” Miraculous confirmations take place, the nation cheers and Saul finds himself stepping into a life greater than his hopes or dreams could ever have imagined.
The new Monarch swiftly wins powerful military and political victories along with the hearts of the people. Remarkable for a young man so shy he hid among the baggage when the people called for him to be made King! So what transformed this unassuming young man into a powerfully gifted leader, so much so that the people declared, “What has come over the son of Kish?” The scripture holds the answer, not just to Saul’s life, but to ours.
When the newly crowned King quickly faced a treacherous crisis scripture states “The Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words…” (1Samuel 11:6). “He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of the messengers, saying, “Whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen! Then the dread of the Lord fell upon the people, and they came out as one man.”
A swift victory was won over the vicious Ammonite King who not only promised to enslave the people of Israel, but to gouge out their right eyes to disgrace them. (1Samuel 11:2). The Hebrew word rush implies an extraordinary, release of power. It portrays a supernatural pushing forward, breaking forth, advancing upon, succeeding and prospering. And that was not the first time Saul experienced this. The Spirit of the Lord rushed on Saul, as a result of Samuel’s anointing of Saul as King. As Samuel delivered the word of the Lord he stated “Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man.”- 1Samuel 10: 6. The Lord God enabled, equipped and supernaturally qualified Saul to succeed at every turn and there was but one requirement; “Do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.”- 1Samuel 12: 20. One would think seeing all God had done for this young man, that would be a given.
The Lord is on our side. He delights in our success. He desires to bless and prosper, heal, deliver and fill the hearts of his people with ecstatic joy. Jesus said, “Which one of you, if his son asks for bread, would give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?” – Mathew 7: 9-10. He is a Good God. A loving Father. A righteous God. One who is Holy and just and has created us in His image. He desires his people to choose to love and serve him and therefore does not violate our free will. We decide for ourselves what path our lives will take.
Sadly, King Saul chose not to honor, obey and serve the Lord with all his heart and was more interested in the opinion of men, than the opinion of God. In repeated acts of disobedience Saul lost his greatest treasure; the blessing and favor of the Lord. His blatant rejection of the Lord’s commands brought an even greater rejection. Samuel with a broken heart told Saul, ” For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou has rejected the word of the Lord, he has also rejected thee from being King”– 1 Samuel 15:23.
Never having, or maybe worse losing the favor, blessing and protection of the Lord is a terrible thing. Many are those who have allowed their Kairos moment, their greatest opportunity in their relationship with God to come and to go. As if it was of no value. They have resisted and turned away from the great rushing of God’s spirit ready to bless, prosper and propel them into divine destiny. I remember sensing the rush of Heaven and all of God’s mercy and love toward someone I cared for as I spoke with him in the final days of his life. He vehemently rejected the love of God, and stubbornly repeated he had no need for God. No need for forgiveness. No need for the Lord’s blessing or intervention.
“Now it came about on the next day that an evil spirit from the Lord came forcefully on Saul and he raved (madly) inside his house, while David was playing the harp with his hand, as usual; and there was a spear in Saul’s hand. Saul hurled the spear for he thought, ” I will pin David to the wall” but David evaded him twice. Now Saul was afraid of David for the Lord was with him but had departed from Saul.” – 1 Samuel 18:10 (Amp. Bible)
The Hebrew word forcefully used here is the same Hebrew word used for rush, the implication being that now the release of power, pushing forward and advancing upon is no longer of the Spirit of God, but of the evil spirit. Surely the scripture describes Saul shifting from a valiant King and servant of the Lord to a terrified, tormented soul. In the Spring of 2013 I embraced the second Kairos moment in my life, for me a defining moment. I did not know if it would ever come again. An opportunity for me to embrace my destiny and be ushered forth into the service of the King. A visitation and a miraculous healing of my body followed my surrender to the invitation so mercifully given to me a second time.
My prayer today is that all who read this will seize their Kairos moment and say yes to the Lord Jesus Christ now while he calls, for another moment is assured to no one.
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